How Can a Mandala Tell a Story?

Twenty-seven years ago, when I was teaching high school graphic design, my colleague Kelly Cody, an art teacher, introduced me to the world of mandalas. She shared an assignment from one of her college art therapy classes that left a lasting impression on me: they were to keep a daily journal and draw a mandala each day. While drawing, they were instructed to observe their thoughts, feelings, memories, and bodily sensations in the moment. Afterward, they would reflect on the completed mandala, considering how its shapes, colors, symbols, and arrangement told their personal story.

Fast forward 17 years, I began the 100 Mandalas Challenge. I wanted to explore what stories might emerge through a daily mandala practice. I invited readers of my blog to take up the challenge as well. My curiosity led me to study with Suzanne Fincher and her team, where I learned about the Great Round—a study of 12 psychological states we all experience throughout our lives. These states influence the patterns that emerge when creating personal mandala art. The goal of this process isn’t to create perfect or symmetrical designs but to fill the circle with form and color freely, allowing the subconscious to take the lead.

In my new blog series, Mandala Stories, I’m sharing mandalas from my journals, many of which I’ve never shared before. If you missed the first post in this series, click here.

Mandala drawn with organic shapes in watercolor.

Dream Cloud Mandala

Journal Entry: June 9, 2014
This mandala was created during a time of creative awakening, one year after the loss of both of my parents.

I painted this piece while sitting on Rabbit Ears Pass, waiting for the fog to lift in the valley below. The fog reminded me of my feelings about my life’s “vision.” At times, I’ve experienced clarity, only for the fog to roll back in. Occasionally, one area clears, but before long, the fog returns.

At the center of this mandala is my confusion—a lack of clarity about my rightful work and life’s purpose. Why is having purposeful work so important? The orange band with arrows represents my attempts to find a direction, but I keep going in circles, always ending back in the cloud of uncertainty. I intentionally kept the outer edge soft and permeable to symbolize the possibility of escape and growth. It was a reminder to relax, trust the process, and embrace play, creativity, and exploration.

Reflection

Looking back on this mandala, I’m struck by its symbolism. The center resembles a brain, with spirals reflecting my endlessly turning thoughts. The gray tones at the bottom of the “brain” contrast with the reds and oranges at the top—my passion and creativity—always present, even when obscured by confusion. The orange arrows reinforce the theme of cyclical thought patterns, while the organic, uneven perimeter contrasts with traditional mandalas, offering freedom from rigid structure.

On the facing page of my journal, collage elements hint at a way forward. A lit lightbulb represents new ideas. A butterfly symbolizes transformation. A ballerina leaps among Tibetan-style clouds, her foot pointing to the word “curious.” Ultimately, it was my curiosity and enthusiasm that helped me move from stagnation to creative flow. Above the word “enthusiasm,” a line of dots became a recurring motif in my later work, reflecting my soulful, evolving journey.

Now It’s Your Turn

Try creating your own mandala story! You don’t need fancy art supplies—ballpoint pens, pencils, or even highlighters will do.

Start at the center of your circle and let your design unfold organically.
Focus on the process, not perfection. Add colors, lines, and shapes as they come to you.
As you create, take note of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

When you’re done, step back and observe your mandala. Take a break, then return with fresh eyes. Try squinting to blur the details—what patterns or images emerge? Write down your observations in your journal, noting how the colors, shapes, and designs make you feel. Follow your thoughts wherever they lead. This is your story to uncover.

If you enjoyed this post, I’d love for you to join me as I share more Mandala Stories. Subscribe to my blog or sign up for my email newsletter to stay updated. And if you know someone who might enjoy this journey, feel free to share this with them—a journey is best when shared.

(((soul hugs)))
Kathryn Costa
Instigator of Soulful and Creative Living